SwitchEasy Cases: Colors, NUDE & TONES For iPhone 5 [REVIEW]

Some of us get an iPhone case to add style, while some do it add protection. For iPhone 5, the protection part sounds a lot more convincing though, considering its highly scratch prone aluminium construction. Today, we’ll be looking at a variety of iPhone 5 cases from SwitchEasy, a brand famous for producing cases that are not only fashionable and functional, but are equally protective as well.

The 3 Switcheasy iPhone 5 cases we have at our disposal are Colors, NUDE and TONES. Let’s check these out one by one.

Switcheasy Colors For iPhone 5

Available in 13 vibrant colors, Switcheasy Colors ($19.99) is one of the best silicone cases I’ve come across. I’ve used it in the past with my iPhone 3GS / iPhone 4 and have always appreciated the fine quality silicone material along with its trademark Jelly Bean tactile home button.

The case comes with a pair of screen protectors and two headphone jack / Lightning port protectors. The snap on case tightly hugs the iPhone 5 providing maximum protection against accidental bumps and falls. The power and volume buttons are also covered with jelly coated buttons, a feature new to the iPhone 5 version.

The only complaint that I’ve always had with the SwitchEasy Colors cases is that they attract loads of pocket lint. But then again, any silicon case would have this minor flaw. If that doesn’t bother you, I doubt you can find a better silicon case for your iPhone 5 than this one.

SwitchEasy NUDE for iPhone 5

The Switcheasy NUDE ($19.99) is a super thin (1 mm) polycarbonate hard case for iPhone 5, that comes in eight colors with “Gloss” coating and four colors with a smooth “Matte” coating. The Gloss finish NUDE cases also include translucent black and completely transparent (our review unit) color options.

All NUDE cases are shipped with a couple of matching connector protectors in addition to a pair of screen protector films, a back protector film, a microfiber wipe and a squeegee. The transparent shell mimics the form and feel of a “naked” iPhone while protecting the device from scuffs and scratches. Unfortunately, the case lacks a protective lip to keep the iPhone 5 lifted from the surface when placed upside down. Also, the transparent connector protector is not as clear as the case itself (shown below).

The area where NUDE really excels is its super thin profile. It adds minimal bulk while maintaing a reasonable level of protection. Tactile covered volume and power buttons definitely add to its protective abilities. For those looking to give their iPhone 5 some protection without limiting the look of it, SwitchEasy NUDE might just be the answer.

SwitchEasy TONES for iPhone 5

SwitchEasy TONES ($24.99) is not only a clear winner among the three cases, but is also the best iPhone 5 case I’ve seen so far. In fact, this is the kind of case that I’ll be using myself. I absolutely love how the two color hybrid case design complements the two-tone finish of the iPhone 5. The textured polycarbonate backplate feels great in your hands while the shock absorbent TPU at top and bottom edges offers the highest level of protection.

Just like the other two SwitchEasy cases, this one also comes with a bunch of goodies i.e two screen protectors, one back protector, a set of headphone and Lightning port protectors and a microfiber wipe with squeegee. The snap on case also covers the power and volume buttons with TPU material, that has an excellent tactile response. A slight extension above the screen a.k.a. the lip keeps the iPhone screen lifted form the surface in upside down position.

For me, SwitchEasy TONES is a near perfect iPhone 5 case offering. It’s stylish, it’s extremely durable and is highly functional. I have no problem giving it my highest recommendation!

London Drugs in B.C. had the Switcheasy Colours case. Not sure where in Canada you live but if you live in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba then your chances are good for this particular case. If you wanted the other two sorry but I don’t know where you could try other than online.

Alex

My local London Drugs in Edmonton was carrying both the Colours and Nude case, but not the Tones. I also noticed Best Buy and Futureshop also list the Colours and Nude on their website. No sign of the Tones in store, but I did notice that it’s listed on London Drug’s website. Maybe something they’ll have stock of in the future (for those who live out west).

P.H.

Can’t quite decide between Colours or Tones. I’d go for Colours because it’s silicone and offers the best grip, but there’s no shock absorbent TPU/Polycarbonate.